Reducing Your Risk of Ovarian Cancer

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of developing cancer. Some risk factors such as family history or genetics cannot be changed. Fortunately, there are also risk factors which can be modified.

General Guidelines for All Women

There are no specific guidelines to prevent ovarian cancer because the cause is unknown. There are factors that can be modified to reduce your risk of cancer. These include:

Quitting smoking—Smoking negatively affects every cell in the body. Quitting smoking is an important step in preventing cancer. The sooner smoking is stopped, the sooner the body can start to heal. Talk to your doctor about the options available to help you successfully quit.

Maintaining a healthy weight—Eat a low-fat diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. If you are overweight, talk to a registered dietitian who can help you lose and maintain weight safely.

Regular exercise—Regular exercise is good for overall health, wellness and maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (which can be a brisk walking) on most days of the week. If you currently do not exercise, talk to your doctor about how to get started on a program safely.

Prophylactic surgery—Recommended for women who need a hysterectomy for any reason not related to cancer. Removing both fallopian tubes may help prevent ovarian cancer regardless of genetic risk.

The following factors are associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk:

It is important to note that these methods will not work for everyone. Some methods also carry serious risks that may outweigh the long-term benefits. Talk to your doctor about your overall risk of ovarian cancer to determine if these would be helpful for you.

General Guidelines for Women at High Risk

Certain factors increase the risk for ovarian cancer. The following groups have a higher risk:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.